Germany: Between the Growth of Wind Power and Wildlife, a Choice Will Have to Be Made

  The German Wildlife Foundation (Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung) is calling for a moratorium to halt the development of wind turbines, which is taking place at the expense of the forest. In particular, it condemns the destruction of forested areas rich in flora and fauna. Even though numerous legal actions are seeking to have building permits revoked, the damage continues to spread.   This phenomenon is far from trivial. In 2014, 4,750 megawatts were generated by new wind farms, exceeding even the initial target of 2,600 MW. These wind farms seem unable to halt their expansion. In contrast, the Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung points to numerous destroyed bird and bat habitats and plant species on the verge of extinction. Accelerating deforestation is causing concern among German environmentalists. For example, in Baden-Württemberg—Germany’s third-largest state in economic terms—a vast area of hardwood forest, containing trees over 150 years old, was cleared, destabilizing some 17 species of bats recorded in the region.   In Bavaria, municipalities and hunting associations have joined forces to file lawsuits against certain wind farm projects, which have now been halted by court order. In the affected area, nests of owls, rare birds of prey, and black storks have been discovered. It is also the habitat of barbastelle bats.   Faced with rampant deforestation, the Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung is calling on the Federal Ministry for the Environment to impose a moratorium on the construction of wind farms in forests… though it doubts its voice will be heard. It must be said that in Germany, wind energy is becoming an urgent priority to compensate for political decisions regarding nuclear power. So what weight does the future of wildlife carry in this context?